D.A.: No charges for Bryson

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office announced Tuesday that it will not press charges against former Commerce Secretary John Bryson for the multiple traffic accidents last month that led to his resignation.

The San Gabriel Police Department — which has jurisdiction over one of the two car accidents — presented their case to the D.A.’s office on Monday. Bryson, who suffered a seizure on the same day of the collisions, had been cited with a felony hit and run after leaving the scene of the first accident.

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“Both treating doctors agree that suspect was suffering from confusion following a seizure and crashed as a result. Based on doctors’ opinions, there is insufficient evidence to show knowing failure to provide personal information for hit and run,” a D.A. report states. “Further, based on blood test and medical condition, there is insufficient evidence to prove driving under the influence.”

The report also said Bryson “tested negative for alcohol and controlled substances but positive for Ambien,” which was described as being on the “low end of therapeutic levels.” It wasn’t determined whether this was a factor in the accidents.

Authorities said the former secretary first rear-ended a car in San Gabriel. After getting out to speak to the occupants of the vehicle, Bryson mysteriously drove away, hitting the car one more time as he left the scene. A few minutes later, Bryson was found unconscious behind the wheel after having hit a second vehicle on the road.

A lieutenant at the San Gabriel Police Department told POLITICO in June that Bryson had seemed “confused” after the first collision, which was cited as a felony hit and run because at least one of the people in the accident needed medical attention. Drugs and alcohol were ruled out as a cause.

The Commerce Department announced soon after that Bryson had suffered a seizure around the time of the accidents. Bryson’s resignation came less than a year after his nomination was approved by the Senate in October. His deputy, Rebecca Blank, is serving as acting commerce secretary.